Project Goals

Implementation of three pilot Green Filter systems in Colombia (innovative constructed wetlands) in order to improve sanitation and hygiene situation

Immediate improvement of the living conditions of poorer population groups in the three pilot communities (Cuítiva, Fúquene, Susa) in rural areas of Colombia

Background

Lake Fúquene (3,260 ha) is a shallow lake with a great endemic biodiversity. It provides water supply for 200,000 people, cattle and agriculture, and sustains fishing and rush extraction activities. Loss of water capacity, exotic fish introduction, eutrophication, contamination, and aquatic macrophytes infestations are its principal threats. Currently there is no protection status.

Lake Tota is the largest of Colombia’s lakes; it holds 2,000 million cubic meters of water, providing water to nearly 500,000 people in the region. The lake was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) site in 2008, and has had 116 bird species recorded since 2003, 7 of them endemic, and some endangered or at risk of extinction at an international level. The flow of untreated wastewater represents a potential threat to the ecological integrity of the wetland.

Population

Size of the Green Filter (m²)

CUÍTIVA

250

620

SUSA

1,000

3,400

FÚQUENE

500

950

Project Sponsorship

The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and donations, including donors such as Kärcher and Stiftung Ursula Merz.

The work of the Fundación Humedalesis supported by Sika

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GREEN FILTERS – Innovative & cost-efficient systems for water purification benefitting people and the environment in Colombia

September 2014 - December 2016

Colombia

German Federal Ministry for Economic Coooperation and Development (BMZ)